Photo Software

[Another Jay]

Hi:

I'm working out my issues with the 7760. Any suggestions for photo software for use with this printer. Would like to keep the investment under $100 (US) and plan to do a great deal of B/W.

Thanks!!

[JCW3]

What kind of software are you looking for?

Are you looking for a high end printing software?
Maybe noise reduction software?
Photo editing software?
Or and all around software?

[Another Jay]

Hi James:

First, my limit of $100.00 may not be feasible, so for the right package, I could most likely go a bit higher.

I guess I'm most interested in editing (not messing with reality - that's one of my hot buttons with digital photography), but instead doing the things one might do in a dark room - burning / dodging, etc.

I use to do a great deal of black and white until we recently moved, and I never set my darkroom up again. I would enjoy diving back into this hobby. One thing I noted in another post - I'd love a package that can simulate the effect of color filters (red, yellow, etc) on blace & white. I enjoy working with toners as well - a package that can simulate this effect would be fantastic!

Further, I'd like a package that can easile adjust contrast, color balance etc, and, interface my HP printer well. The Adobe Elements package looks good, and suprisingly, the Microsoft high end package looks like a good bet as well. I'm sure that there are many I'm missing. I haven't been to a camera store yet and I bet there may be some lesser known options as well.

Thanks for any advice you (or others) may offer.

Jay

[JCW3]

Alot of people start off into elements, thats a decent entry program from what I hear. I have not actually used elements, so my info is very limited there.

I will admit the most looked up at program in digital photography today is probably Adobe Photoshop, but its $$$. I have been using it for years, and only know a fraction about it and thats after taking numerous classes on it.

By starting off with elements it would give you a adobe feel, and if you ever go head over heels you will be a little better off if you upgrade to photoshop.

But with a 100 budget, your programs are limitied. There are alot out there at that price, but only a few are worth it.

There are a few forums that specialize in this stuff, if you would like PM me and I would get the link for you.

[MacDuff]

Paint Shop Pro v8 is a very complete program, allows plug-ins, has scripts that can be run automatically, has filters. There are many add-ons available on the web for this program, along with tutorials, forums, etc. It also is within your price range.
You can check it you at: www.jasc.com

It has a lot of the capability of PhotoShop, but at a much lower cost. If you are not a pro graphics artist it should serve your needs. It can do more than you'll probably ever need.

[Another Jay]

I've downloaded the trial version of Paint Shop and will give it a shot this weekend.

Plan to do some more reading on the Elements package.

Again, thanks for your time and input.

Jay

[jerrymeola]

I have used and taught many different software packages.

I highly recommend Photoshop Elements for a first and often a final package.

Photoshop CS at 10 times the price offeres 16 bit processing and many more automated features. 16 bit (a million plus shades vs 256) you probably can not see in amature work. Automation is great f it is your job where time is money but for beginning looking and learning at every step is much better. CS also has extensive graphics tools that are removed from the elements package, but not necessary for photograph retouching.

Elements will do everything Photoshop CS can do but will usually require more work. I bought elements for $30. on sale for 60 with a $30 rebate at the time. It is $57 at Sam's Club. I greatly like the new feature that overlays a brush outline over your picture to show the exact area on which the tool will act.

Microsoft Picture It is a poor package and not worth buying.

A package almost as complete as Photoshop 7 is Serif. They are up to version 8 and are giving away version 5.5 free. They hope you like it enough to upgrade, but the free version is full featured and not a time limited trial. Also in 6 months since I registered, I have not gotten spam from them.
http://www.freeserifsoftware.com/

I have used many manufacturr's packages and they are generally poor.

Paint shop Pro is a package I recommend if someone is interested in extensive graphics and free hand art as opposed to photos. Elements removes almost all the graphics tools of the full Photoshop package.

[Another Jay]

Thanks Jerry:

We're Sam's members - forgot about discounts there! Thanks for the tip.

Jay